Babbo

Had to call in a favor to get the reservation here - and even then had to do so a month in advance. Can't blame the restaurant for being popular can you? However, it definitely puts you in a state of very high expectations for the night.

And Babbo does not disappoint. Start to finish, just a unique experience, even in new york. If you have a choice (which you don't), it upstairs...we had a nice corner table, and they actually space the tables a reasonable amount, so you feel like you have the restaurant to yourself.

I'm sure you've heard of some of Batali's famous dishes, like mint love letters and beef cheek ravioli - but everything we tried on the menu was excellent. For main course, possibly the best duck i've come across. Also had a salmon entree, and i guess that was the downside of the meal if you can even call it that. Sommelier was excellent - paired up some quartinos; went great and they were actually modestly priced. Service was of a "stay out of your way" sort, which was a great touch.

The Bottom Line
Food: 9.5/10
Drink: 10/10
Atmosphere: 9/10. the music was odd
Service: 9.5/10
Will i go back: Can you get me in?